7How to Prevent Cat-Scratch Disease
You can prevent cat scratch fever by avoiding contact with cats. If you have a cat, avoid rough play that could lead to you being scratched or bitten. You can also keep their nails trimmed to reduce scratches. Washing your hands after playing with your cat may also help prevent the disease. Don’t allow your cat to lick or scratch at your eyes, mouth, or open wounds. You and your pets should also avoid feral cats.
Keep your cat indoors and administer antiflea medication to reduce the risk of your cat contracting B. henselae. Check your cat for fleas with a flea comb and control fleas in your home with frequent vacuuming. If necessary, a pest control agency can eliminate fleas in your home.
Because young cats and kittens are more likely to carry the disease, people with weakened immune systems can decrease their risk of catching the disease by adopting an older cat instead of a kitten. [11]
